Question

A historian is interested in learning about the ancient Roman Colosseum, an arena where trained fighters battled one another for spectators' entertainment. Many gladiators were slaves who were forced to fight to the death with other people and even wild animals. The historian has a difficult time understanding how any person would enjoy, or even tolerate, watching such things. He notes that modern societies do not tolerate such violence and slavery. How could the historian better understand the reason for the cultural differences between ancient Romans and modern Americans?
A. Study historical context by examining letters written by Roman fans of the Colosseum
B. Evaluate for bias by determining whether people's prejudices allowed them to tolerate slavery
C. Evaluate for bias by finding out which modern historians write positive portrayals about the Colosseum
D. Study historical context by learning more about the types of animals that fought in the Colosseum

Answer 1

Answer A. Study historical context by examining letters written by Roman fans of the Colosseum

The Roman government during the ancient roman coliseum wanted to keep the idle masses entertained because they knew that a large group of poor people was a major threat to their empire. Therefore, the Romans enjoyed many different forms of entertainment, most of which were free.

Some things the Romans did for fun were horrible. They enjoyed fights between gladiators, and fights between people and animals. These bloodthirsty shows were put on in front of crowds in large arenas called amphitheatres. Roman emperors paid for free shows at theatres and amphitheatres.

At that time the Romans had no religions like we have at the present time. They had lots of different gods and goddesses. There were gods for almost everything, like thunder, love, war, wisdom and even the sewer in Rome, so the human values were quite different from what we know it today in modern societies that do not tolerate such violence and slavery.

Answer 2

 D. Study historical context by examining letters written by Roman fans of the Colosseum